Overview & Reviews

Introduced in the mid-1990s, the front-wheel-drive Ford Windstar minivan campaigned with an emphasis on, and reputation for, safety. And in the hotly contested family minivan market of the time, that was an especially solid piece of ground to be on. As long as buyers didn't need to haul adults in back on a regular basis -- or find it necessary to remove the heavy third-row bench seat from the van often for additional cargo room -- the Windstar generally served a family's needs just fine.

Unfortunately, the Ford Windstar's general reputation for reliability was notably poorer than other competing minivans, particularly those from Honda and Toyota. The van's engine and transmission were particularly troublesome. In addition, we often criticized the Windstar for its noisy engines, poor interior space utilization and floppy handling.

Consequently, we suggest most shoppers take a look at other choices in this segment. But if you are set on getting a used Windstar, we'd at least suggest focusing on the most recent generation and consider opting for an extended warranty, if available.

Most recent Ford Windstar

During its nine years on the market, there were two Ford Windstar generations. The most recent was produced from 1999 to 2003. (Ford renamed it the Freestar for 2004.) The '99 van was completely redesigned to look more modern and sporty while upgrading mechanicals and adding a driver-side sliding door. The second- and third-row seats were now on rollers for easier maneuverability, and up front the instrument panel was reworked for improved ergonomics. There were also upgrades made to the suspension, transmission, brakes and air-conditioning.

Models now included base, LX, SE, SEL and Limited versions. Powering the van was either a 3.0-liter 150-horsepower V6 engine or -- a much more desirable -- 200-hp 3.8-liter V6. In reviews of the Ford Windstar at the time, our editors lauded the 3.8-liter engine for its power but complained that it was noisy under acceleration. We were also unhappy with its disconnected ride and handling, poor interior space utilization and weak reputation for reliability. Positive attributes included a plethora of convenience and safety features and top-notch crash test scores.

If we were shopping used Windstars, this new-and-improved second-generation version is as far back as we'd go. There were a few updates made through the years. The most significant of these were standard power-adjustable pedals, an optional rear-seat video entertainment system for 2000, the switch to the 3.8-liter engine as standard for all models in 2001 and the availability of safety-enhancing AdvanceTrac stability control for 2003.

Past Ford Windstar models

Ford introduced the front-wheel-drive Windstar in 1995 to replace its outgoing Aerostar rear-drive minivan. The new Windstar featured an extensive list of standard equipment, including dual airbags, antilock brakes, a four-speed automatic transmission and V6 power. Inside was seating for seven, including a unique integrated child seat.

The Windstar's only available engine was a 3.8-liter V6 which produced just 155 hp, but a more generous 220 pound-feet of low-end torque. Only a base GL model was available, but a more luxurious LX trim level was added in 1996 when a 3.0-liter 150-horsepower Vulcan V6 was made standard and an upgraded 3.8-liter V6 engine rated at 200 horses was optional. That year also saw four-wheel disc brakes fitted on vehicles equipped with traction control or the towing package. In 1998 -- the final year of its first generation -- the Windstar's driver's door was widened as a stop-gap measure to help access to the second row until the completely redesigned Windstar arrived a year later with a fourth door.

User Reviews:

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  mechanical disaster - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Paul Cocksedge - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I have owned two Windstars, a 1995 and 1999. Both have had major mechanical problems engine blew up in the 1995 van, the 1999 van has had the front end replaced, the transmisson rebuilt, and a multitude of other problems. Both vans were bought because of the functionality of the vehicle to service familly needs. Never again. Ford sells junk!!!!!!

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  2001 Ford Windstar LX - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By evblitch - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Nice ride however the trunk door is really heavy and can be quite hard for a petite person to reach up and close. Paint scratches very easily. Drives very smooth and can fit up to 7 people comfortably. I like the option of being able to take out the 3rd seat.

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  Not worth the money - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mark1983 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Needed a rebuilt transmission after 60,000 miles. Power steering repaired twice. This car was a grave disappointment.

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  Not a good family vehicle - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By mardecortes - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Replaced one ignition sensor at 1K miles replaced the steering pump at 19K miles the transmission stalls in cold whether when shifting from 2nd to 3rd sometimes the transmission does not shift from 2nd to 3rd so I have to turn the vehicle off, it looks like one sensor is not working (pay attention all of the ones that have had problems with the transmission) sliding doors "creek" when wet the A/C compressor was replaced at 37K miles the valves cover gasket started to leak at 10K miles sometimes the inside lights start to blink with no apparent reason (like a bad electrical contact).

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  only burnt once... - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By mom of 3 kids in OH - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought Windstar based upon safety ratings at the time. Thought we had a great van- but the Check Engine light went on every time we drove on a trip over 200 miles. Ford dealer never could figure it out - or why we had rough cold starts. Now at 112,000 miles, already fixed the gaskets and now need a new transmission. Wish I had checked consumer reports before I had purchased. Going foreign, but only because they have forced me. Will never buy a Ford again!

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  Tranmissions Issues - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By John See - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Transmission went out without warning at 62000 miles. Ford service was horrible and not helpful in explaining why a car maintained regularly would have such a large failure at a relatively low milage for such components. Basically said since first time Ford buyer, we cant give you any assistance with product defect.

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  been very good so far... - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By gillyman32 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Has been very reliable people mover so far. Only had to replace one tie rod under warranty, probably from hitting big potholes. Transmission has been fine. To avoid problems I recommend changing trans fluid every 36,000 miles or so just to be safe. Great van for trips and hauling stuff.

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  SECOND TIME AROUND - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By SEMPER FI - June 11 - 10:00 am

  love to drive,feel safe,great all-around visiliabilty,more than plenty room insid e,this van feels solid,this is my second time around with a WINDSTAR!!!

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  Didnt Learn - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Unhappy in TX - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Weve had the Windstar 6.5 years only 55K miles. No major problems until 54,400 miles. Transmission disintegrated the internal differential came apart and spewed pieces all over the inside of the trans. A re-manufactured trans was installed. Thankfully, the $3600 bill was covered under a third party warranty. This van was not driven hard by any means. Had a 1988 Taurus wagon. Same engine (3.8 L), same trans, same result (trans died at 60K miles). I didnt learn. Im sure the head gasket is next. I have friends with similar stories about Windstars. No more Fords. Our other mini-van is a Venture.

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  1998 Ford Windstar GL - Big disappointme - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Mia - June 6 - 10:00 am

  I own a 1998 Ford Windstar GL which I bought new in 1997. It needed a transmission within 2 years, has made a squeaking noise which they can not find since I first bought it. Now 4 years & 64,000 miles later it stalls when you stop for a light the whole car shakes when stopped and chugs and sounds like there is a washing machine in the engine and no one can figure out what it wrong with it. I spent two years running back and forth to the dealer with it and they never fixed some of the problems that exist to this day!! I will never buy a FORD product again. Ford should stand for fix or repair daily or found on road dead!!!!!